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California Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Being Injured in Scavenger Hunt Game on Carnival Elation
Suzanne Magtalas, a California resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23892-JB, arises from an incident aboard the Carnival Elation on September 25, 2024, during a poolside scavenger hunt game hosted by a Carnival crewmember. The lawsuit alleges that Magtalas was seriously injured after being knocked down by a racing child participating in the game, which was organized and overseen by Carnival staff.
Passenger Knocked Down by Racing Child During Carnival Elation Poolside Game Hosted by Cruise Entertainment Staff
According to the complaint, Magtalas was on a cruise aboard the Carnival Elation when a Carnival employee acting as Master of Ceremonies hosted several games on the Lido Deck stage near the pool. During one game—a timed scavenger hunt—participants were instructed to collect as many shoes as possible from around the deck and return to the stage. The competitive nature of the event led passengers to run around the pool deck, including an 11-year-old boy who allegedly collided with Magtalas, knocking her to the ground.
As a result of the fall, Magtalas claims she sustained significant injuries to her right elbow, right shoulder, back, and neck, requiring medical attention. The lawsuit emphasizes that Carnival created and promoted an environment where passengers were encouraged to race and shove through a crowded area without any cordoning off or adequate supervision, placing other non-participating guests like Magtalas in harm’s way.
Carnival Accused of Hosting Repetitive and Dangerous Passenger Games Without Adequate Safety Precautions
The complaint details that Carnival has long hosted similar high-speed scavenger hunt games during its cruises, often in public areas crowded with passengers not involved in the events. The lawsuit cites numerous prior lawsuits involving injuries caused by these games, including Mathis v. Carnival, Pioch v. Carnival, Peck v. Carnival, and others, as evidence that Carnival had both actual and constructive notice of the dangers such activities pose.
Despite warnings and prior incidents, the plaintiff alleges that Carnival failed to implement safety protocols, warn bystanders of the risks, or limit the area of play to a designated safe zone. In fact, the complaint states that the Carnival employee hosting the event had previously told guests not to run—yet continued to encourage competitive behavior without halting the game when participants ignored instructions.
Lawsuit Alleges Carnival Failed to Maintain Safe Conditions and Warn of Risks During Lido Deck Activity
The lawsuit brings three main claims against Carnival Corporation: negligent failure to maintain safe conditions, failure to warn passengers of non-obvious dangers, and vicarious liability for the negligent conduct of the cruise employee who hosted the game. Magtalas asserts that she had no reasonable way to anticipate that she might be injured by a charging child while walking near the pool.
Under maritime law, cruise operators owe their passengers a duty of reasonable care, including the obligation to prevent and warn against foreseeable hazards. The complaint alleges Carnival breached this duty by failing to modify or stop the game after dangerous behavior began and by not providing verbal warnings or visual signage about the potential for injury in the game zone.
Injured Passenger Seeks Compensation for Medical Expenses, Pain, and Emotional Distress from Carnival Corporation
Magtalas seeks damages for her physical and emotional injuries, including past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, lost income, and reduced earning capacity. She claims the injuries have significantly impacted her quality of life and ability to work. The lawsuit demands a jury trial and holds Carnival liable for the conduct of its employees under vicarious liability principles.
If successful, the case could add to the growing number of claims holding cruise lines accountable for onboard activities that place passenger safety at risk, especially when companies fail to act on prior knowledge of recurring issues.
Were You Injured in a Cruise Ship Game or Poolside Activity? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured during cruise ship activities, particularly games or entertainment hosted in crowded areas, may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are legally obligated to design and supervise onboard events in a way that does not expose guests to preventable harm.
If you or a loved one were hurt during a ship-hosted activity—such as a scavenger hunt, dance contest, or poolside competition—contact a maritime injury attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer experienced in pool deck and onboard activity accidents.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.